Driving the new Acura RLX was almost a "look Ma, no hands" experience.

Powering down Interstate 5 this week, there were times I let the car steer without my direction and relied on its multiple cameras to determine if I was risking a front-end collision, at which point the RLX applied the brakes on my behalf, slowing me to a dead stop when necessary.

If the RLX was any more engaged, Acura would need to rename it HAL and equip it with a voice box that called me Dave.

As much as the RLX provides a glimpse into the future of self-driving cars, it's a full-on innovation assault as Acura works to outdo its luxury competition with groundbreaking features that improve drivers' experience but cost them less money. On sale March 15, the RLX starts at $49,345 with a fully loaded model topping out at $61,345, including destination and delivery.

The RL-replacing RLX flagship is powered with Acura's first direct-injection engine, which ups the fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Its 3.5-liter V6 delivered smooth power and, in 300 miles of mostly highway driving, 28 mpg – an impressive feat for a gas-powered mid-size luxury sedan.

Like many manufacturers inching their way toward the upcoming 54.5 mpg fuel economy standard, the RLX is light weighting. An Acura first, the RLX fuses aluminum panels to its steel-frame doors and ups the amount of high-strength, lightweight steel throughout the car to maintain its safety while improving handling and fuel efficiency.

That handling is enhanced by Acura's new Precision All-Wheel Steer system that, despite an acronym that's easy to misread as something veterinary, turns the rear wheels individually, as needed, to help steer this otherwise front-wheel-drive car, one of the results being a surprisingly small turning radius.

Later this year, Acura will introduce an all-wheel-drive variant of a hybrid-drive RLX that will embed two electric motors in its rear wheels.

While the current RLX wheels are devoid of hub motors, they play a crucial role in keeping road noise at bay. Each wheel is equipped with noise-reducing resonators that, along with sound-insulating glass, help make the RLX one of the quieter cars I've driven recently – and the most impressive Acura I've driven to date.

As part of its value-oriented luxury flagship, Acura has refined its exterior style. The headlights are bedazzled with LED high beams and the exhaust is entirely hidden.

But it's inside that's most impressive. For the RLX, Acura has stretched the wheelbase of its outgoing RL by two inches and utilized the additional length to carve out more rear-seat leg room, which feels almost limo-like in its spaciousness. The windows in the rear seating area are also equipped with built-in shades – a terrific feature for sunny So Cal.

From the driver's seat, the features are more technological. The cockpit is outfitted with two screens. A larger Nav screen tops a second touch screen that is, like many things in this car, touchy feely. The screen gives a quiver of sensory feedback to register contact when controlling the audio and other systems.

Steering wheel controls operate the more innovative safety features, such as Acura's first Adaptive Cruise Control system with low-speed follow. Press a button, and the driver is alerted that's it on with a graphic on the dashboard screen, though it's the application of the brakes that will really alert them to its presence: The braking is more abrupt than smooth.

Even when the system is off, and the burden of braking is back on the driver, the dashboard literally spells out when it's time to do the deed. It flashes "BRAKE" in urgent orange and, as if that weren't enough of an alert, also tugs on the driver's seatbelt to silently scream, "Wake up!"

The controls for Acura's first Lane-Keeping Assist feature are likewise operated via steering wheel, though it's a camera embedded in the windshield that reads the dotted lines on either side of the lane in and actively steers the car without drivers needing to hold the wheel. It's an unusual sensation to drive at speed and into turns hands free, watching the steering wheel rock back and forth as if controlled by a ghost. The system will only do so for ten seconds at a stretch, however, at which point the dashboard insists "Steering is required."

HAL-ish as the RLX is, it still requires a driver, who is likely to enjoy the technological bang it provides for the buck.

The 2014 Acura RLX ranges from $48,450 to $60,450 depending on optional packages. ACURA
The 2014 Acura RLX is powered with a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that makes 310 horsepower and yields 24 mpg combined. ACURA
The wheelbase was lengthened two inches for the 2014 Acura RLX, most of which was added to increase second-row leg room. ACURA
The 2014 Acura RLX is available with advanced safety technologies, such as lane-keeping assist, cruise control with low-speed follow and collision mitigation braking. The RLX starts at $48,450. ACURA

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.